What brands are recommended and what should I stay away from?

Buy Trane. Buy two-speed.

Installer way more important than the brand. Need them to do a load calc to make sure it's sized properly and a manual D for proper ductwork.

Trane is no better than any other brand these days. Known for coil leaks the last several years.

No location?
Reads like you are replacing a 3.5ton that made you happy, so "no calculations needed" . mmmmm

EZ to agree with P.H. & JP above, as does Consumer Reports
although am 5 years in love/pampered with a Trane HP Variable 4.0 when first sized by a buddy for 3.5T in 1980 but back then, me thinks these large windows, pitched ceilings didn't compute. 2026 = older insulation, even if "forever", fireproof Rockwool.

Since today's HVAC are a difference breed,
calculations now include those mentioned as well as shade trees, et al.
I would get a 5-star installer certified in those brands to calculate a good marriage.
IF you host a lot of summer large indoor parties, then add that to the calculations
(why? Only 20 guests = 1 extra ton to cool when August has maxed out the main systems)

Had a Daikin fit 5 ton and 3.5 ton installed last year. The difference 45% humidity can make is insane.

We love it

V8Aggie said:

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Had a Daikin fit 5 ton and 3.5 ton installed last year. The difference 45% humidity can make is insane.

We love it

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Same here. 74* is comfy, and never hear it running.

Lennox is great

I have a 14 yr old Bryant single speed unit with a gas furnace. It has been great and will replace with the same or a Carrier unit in the future. Bryant was purchased by Carrier a while back. The components are essentially the same, Bryant is the lower price while Carrier is the premium line. Next time, I would probably look at a variable speed since it controls the humidity and is more energy efficient. The single speed the house came works well, it's cheaper, but it is all or none when operating (refer to youtube below about Single Speed, Tow Speed, & Variable Speed).

At my previous home, I had Trane AC/Heat pumps, and hated them. Over 31 years in that home, I had a unit for the first floor, and a 2nd unit for the 2nd floor. The AC was never cool enough, and the heat pump was awful below 32 degrees. The 5 of the 6 units were replaced over that time. The main problem was the air handler coils rusting out and developing pin holes.I would stay away from Trane despite their undeserved rating. Maybe the problem has been fixed in the last 15 years.

https://indoortemp.com/resources/air-conditioner-one-stage-two-stage-variable-speed







https://todayshomeowner.com/hvac/reviews/bryant-vs-carrier/

Our a/c guy highly recommended either Trane or American standard 6 years ago and we went w/ American Standard and have been very pleased

EMY92 said:

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Trane and American Standard are the exact same equipment, the only difference is the name badge, they even have the same model numbers. When I was in the HVAC business, they were a quality product.

Lennox was also very good. I installed a Lennox variable speed system in my house early last year. The variable doesn't come in half ton sizes, so I went from a 3.5 to 4 ton system, but since it's a true variable speed, it doesn't really matter.

I've been very happy with it. I also know a good install from a bad one, and I hired a good contractor to install it, that matters just as much if not more than the equipment. You can buy the best equipment, but if it's poorly installed, it will be worse than the crappiest equipment installed well.

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Lennox has had major issues with coils over the last few years.

This, like major class action problems with them

P.H. Dexippus said:

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Buy Trane. Buy two-speed. Buy variable speed.

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FIFY

I just bought an American Standard variable speed in my townhouse and it's been so much better than my old carrier.

malenurse said:

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P.H. Dexippus said:

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Buy Trane. Buy two-speed. Buy variable speed.

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FIFY

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This is even better, but didn't want to scare OP off with the sticker shock. Bottom line is don't get a single speed.

Properly sized single stage with whole home dehumidifier is a fantastic option

Amana has issues? We have 3 five ton units that are 18+ yo. Also have a 4 year old 5 ton York. Never had any problems till now…

One of the Amanas just gave up the ghost and looking to replace. Upstairs unit and we are wanting to get something more efficient- like 19 seer.

They are also propane units which add a bit of complexity.

Any change in recommendations?